Getting ScoutStrong For The 2013 National Jamboree

The 2013 National Scout Jamboree is still many months away, but the time to get ready is now.

This jamboree is going to be the most exciting, high-adventure-filled jamboree of all time. In order to get the most out of it — or any Scout outing, for that matter — you need to start getting in shape right now.

On pages 18-21 of the January 2013 issue of Boys’ Life you’ll find an article titled “Get Fit For Summer” that’s actually Part Two of our Get ScoutStrong stories. For your convenience, below is Part One, originally published in the September 2012 issue of Boys’ Life.

Get ScoutStrong for the Summit

Be Prepared for the 2013 National Jamboree — and every outing! — by starting your fitness program today.

The 2013 National Scout Jamboree is going to be incredible.

All of the most popular activities from past jamborees will be there, such as scuba diving, pioneering, patch trading and world-class arena shows.

But this jamboree will be at the Summit, the BSA’s new national high-adventure base in West Virginia. The Summit is located near the New River Gorge National River, one of the best spots for outdoor adventure in this country.

That adds up to the most extreme, high-adventure jamboree ever.

There’s going to be mountain biking, skateboarding, extreme BMX, whitewater, stand-up paddleboards and a 3,000-foot zip line known as Zip Zilla that will get your motor running at up to 50 miles per hour.

At past jamborees, there’s been rock climbing on artificial walls. At this one, the natural West Virginia landscape provides all the walls you’ll need.

This is not Fort A.P. Hill, the site of the national jamboree since 1981.

This is the Summit. And in order to best experience it all, you need to Be Prepared for adventure.

Get Moving

The Summit covers more than 10,000 acres, but there will be no cars, buses or vans at the 2013 National Jamboree. Scouts and Venturers are going to have to do some walking — lots of walking.

And the ground isn’t always flat. There will be some activities at Garden Ground, the highest point on the Summit property. To get there, you may hike more than three miles and gain more than 500 feet in elevation.

Not exactly like climbing Philmont Scout Ranch’s Mount Baldy, but not something you want to take lightly, either.

To get ready for all of that walking, start a regular aerobic fitness routine. Run a series of wind sprints with some rest time in between. Keep track of your distance, time and rest time.

Do a mid-distance workout by running 600 yards, and keep track of your time with a goal of running faster each time.

If you have access to a stair machine or a real flight of stairs, walk up and down regularly. Carry a backpack with around 20 pounds of gear to increase your intensity and get faster results.

Get Fit

Make the most of the rock climbing at the Summit by working the muscles in your core and your arms. Squats are terrific for leg, rear and stomach muscles, while push-ups strengthen your chest, arm and shoulders.

The mountain biking and extreme BMX will be one-of-a-kind experiences. Prepare by strengthening your core and leg muscles. Sit-ups and lunges will work wonders, as will leg raises and calf extensions.

Even activities like rafting and skateboarding require you to do more than just hang on for the ride.

When navigating the whitewater of the New River, you’ll be asked to paddle and help guide your craft safely through the rushing water. And skateboarding requires tremendous balance and leg strength.

All of the activities offered at the 2013 National Jamboree can be experienced on their own in separate locations. But only at the jamboree will you have the opportunity to experience them all in one location.

Your job between now and then: Be Prepared to take advantage.

Warm Up, Cool Down

Warming up and cooling down properly reduces the chance of injury and greatly enhances any workout routine.

Warm up by jogging for 2-3 minutes, skipping rope for 2-3 minutes or walking briskly for 3-5 minutes, followed by 2-3 minutes of stretches.

Cool down by walking for five minutes after every aerobic or strength routine.

What is BMI?

The Centers of Disease Control, the government body that keeps track of the health of the citizens of our country, uses a calculation called Body Mass Index to determine if a person has a healthy weight.

The BSA suggests that, in order to be safe and enjoy all that the 2013 National Jamboree has to offer, your BMI should be below 30.